blog assignment #9

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ASSIGNMENT PART ONE
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In this section, we're going to return for a moment to Chapter 7, to the section that discusses errors that are common in the analysis of moral issues (p. 89). Briefly explain each of the following errors in your own words, as if you were explaining the concept to a friend who had never taken this class (consider who, what, when, where, why, how, when); and then give an example of each one, preferably from your own past experience.

Unwarranted Assumptions: a conclusion about an issue or question based on little evidence or our unconscious choice to believe or disbelieve based on what was meant by something being left out of the situation. We insert our own thoughts into left out spaces that we notice in a situation, making our conclusions not evidentially based and therefore quite biased.

ex.) I bought tickets to a concert and spent the extra money for VIP. There wasn't information on how VIP was different, but since it was more expensive I assumed that it would be the best way to go. At the concert, in VIP, the water ran out and everyone was crammed under a small tent. I left and had a great time on the regular priced ground where I could actually move and even dance. VIP was a waste of money and I definitely fell victim to an unwarranted assumption.


Oversimplification: a common error found in today's discussions when a party leaves out a vital criterion for a study or situation to make it seem simple, when the error actually reduces the situation to a distorted slice of the actual issue.

ex.) My girlfriend asked me to help her move into a new house and I did move stuff in, but I didn't know that meant unpacking the boxes and cleaning her room with her until after I was sweaty and tired from lifting couches and mattresses all day.


Hasty Conclusions: a conclusion that has been arrived at through analyzing facts relevant to the study but ignoring alternatives so to make the conclusion closed-minded and erroneous.

ex.) I have heard racist comments from people saying things like "In India men oppress women, they are woman haters." Some are, but there are indian men in the world who do not oppress women, so not all indian men are oppressive to women.


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ASSIGNMENT PART TWO
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Briefly answer the following "chapter opening" questions, in your own words, based on what you learned by studying chapter eight:

1. What do we do in situations where there is more than a single obligation? The best solution to deciding between two conflicting obligations is to weigh the relative importance and give the more important one presidence. Also, if half of each obligation can be done, one should do both, but if only one is possible, it shoud be the more important one that is carried out.

2. How can we reconcile conflicting obligations? One should attempt to satisfy both if ethically and morally important, but if only one can be done, then one should choose based on moral and ethical importance.


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ASSIGNMENT PART THREE
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1. In a nutshell, what is the most important thing, for you, that you learned from this assignment? I took from this assignment that people can slip and fall into false conclusions if the parameters for thought aren't clearly set out in front of them. It made me think about not judging a situation without having all the facts. Also, I learned that if conflicting obligations are giving me troubles it is alright to say no to one that isn't morally and ethically important and yes to one that I believe is the most fulfilling and has the most potential importance.

2. How will you apply what you learned through this assignment to your everyday life? I will be more thorough with my thinking especially when I feel the threat of a fallacy. Also, I will know how to choose which obligations I should stick to and ones I should stear clear of.

3. What grade do you believe your efforts regarding this assignment deserve? Justify your answer. After completing the assignment in it's entirety, I believe that the time and effort put forth is deserving of the full twenty-five points. I learned a lot about distorted conclusions and learned how to manage obligations based on honest, general importance. I'd say i fulfilled the requirements!